"I'll be playing some guys to see how long they can play in one stint, but we've got unlimited interchange and 20-minute quarters, so there's plenty of opportunity there to keep them rotating.

"There's still a few spots up for grabs, so the trial form will certainly play a part in that (final selection)."

The intriguing battle for North Queensland's No. 9 spot will ramp up when Mitchell and Dragons' recruit Cameron King take on the rake duties, with Green insisting that Mitchell's start does not put him ahead of King.

Ray Thompson is firming as North Queensland's starting hooker for round one, but strong games from King and Mitchell - along with Rory Kostjasyn who will also play at lock on Saturday - could put genuine pressure on Thompson's favouritism.

"I'm not locked in on anything," Green said.

"I've named one to 22 but the numbers don't mean too much … I'll be chopping and changing quite a bit to see different guys in different roles."

Green's squad also includes National Youth Competition graduates Javid Bowen and Zac Santo, and young front-rower Patrick Kaufusi, but the club's four Australian representatives will be rested after resuming training just a month ago.

Roosters' recruit John Asiata has also been given a massive opportunity after been named to start at lock, and Queensland Cup regular Curtis Rona gets a chance to impress on the wing.

Green's other big selection was Kyle Feldt at right wing, meaning the former NYC star plays his first game of top-flight football since missing last year's run to finals with injury.

"Everyone's been training so hard for so long, so to get that reward at the end of the week with a game … they're all looking forward to it," Green said.

"Everyone loves to win and footy is competitive by nature, but at the end of the day it (the result) doesn't really mean t0o much."

Comments on this story

Simon of Townsville Posted at 4:21 AM February 06, 2014

Hope the Cowboys watched the Super bowl. Best attack got smashed by the team approach and best defense. Best attack quarter back made to look average. Reminded me of Thurston and my beloved Cowboys unfortunately. New coach new approach im hoping. Go Cows